Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Transfers

David Moyes' summer target seals mega-money Saudi Arabia switch after Everton links

Evan Lloyd
Evan Lloyd

Correspondent AUTHORITY NCTJ-qualified football journalist with experience at VAVEL, Hayters TV, SPORTbible, and Centredevils. FOCUS Premier League analysis, tactical deep-dives, and original opinion content across Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides specialist tactical and analytical content to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and understand the full picture.

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Everton signed nine players in a busy summer spree, but did not secure all of their main targets.

Tomas Soucek was a target for Everton, but the midfielder ultimately decided against reuniting with former manager David Moyes.

Instead, Everton signed Merlin Rohl from SC Freiberg on transfer deadline day, with the German joining on loan with an obligation to buy next summer.

Much of the Toffees' priority moves came to bolster the attack, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among the arrivals in the final third.

Moyes' main target, Jack Grealish, signed for Everton on loan from Manchester City and has hit the ground running at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tomas Soucek with a stern facial expression while in action for West Ham.
Everton had wanted to sign Soucek (Credit: Imago)

Josh Brownhill joins Al Shabab on a free transfer

Everton were willing to pay Josh Brownhill £100,000 per week to play for Moyes' side this season.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a sensational season in the Championship for Burnley, scoring 18 goals as the Clarets were promoted.

But the midfielder decided against extending his stay at Turf Moor, leaving the door open for interested clubs.

Everton were among them, but Brownhill has decided to take his career in a different direction.

Everton - arrivals in midfield (2025/26)Fee
Merlin Rohl£17.3m
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall£28m
Carlos Alcaraz£13m

Al Shabab confirmed on Wednesday that the Englishman has signed a two-year deal to play in the Saudi Pro League.

Based in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, Al Shabab are managed by former Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil.

The Spaniard's side lost their opening game of the season, after finishing sixth in the last campaign.

Josh Brownhill wage demands too high for Everton

Coming off the back of an impressive season in the Championship, Brownhill certainly would have added a strong option to Moyes' squad.

But the midfielder has never quite done it in the Premier League. In over 100 appearances in the top flight, Brownhill has managed just six goals and six assists.

Such numbers were ultimately not worth savaging Everton's wage structure for.

Brownhill's contract in Saudi Arabia is expected to earn him well over £100,000 per week, a number which would have placed him among the top five earners at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, according to Capology.

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David Moyes
Josh Brownhill
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